This report discusses the Salmonella verification sampling results for the fourth quarter CY2010 as presented in Tables 1-10, Chart 1, and Figures 1-8. This data is presented in the format discussed in the Salmonella second quarterly report CY2008 which can be accessed on the FSIS website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/Q2_2008_Salmonella_Testing/index.asp.

Tables 3-10
Tables 3-10 report the proportion of establishments by categories that have completed at least two recent Salmonella verification-sampling sets. New establishments are not identified in any category until FSIS has documented the results from two sets. This aligns the quarterly reports with the monthly posting of names of those establishments in Category 2 and 3. An establishment with its last set ≤ 50% of the performance standard or guidance and the prior set at > 50% of the performance standard or guidance is sub-categorized as 2T, with T standing for transitioning to Category 1.

Table 7 (ground beef)continues to report only those establishments eligible for traditional Salmonella verification sampling sets and that have completed two sets.

A total of 1015 samples in the low volume ground beef sampling program were collected and analyzed from October-December 2010, and 6 samples were positive for Salmonella.

Chart 1
This chart represents the total percentage of establishments within product classes classified by category and sub-category. This chart indicates that as of December 31, 2010, 84% of establishments are in Category 1, 7% are in Category 2T, 7% are in Category 2, and 2% are in Category 3.

Figures 1-8
Figures 1-8 summarize Salmonella positive results by product classes for the most recent five quarters. NOTE: While earlier quarterly reports included individual sample results from "A" sets only, the current report format summarizes data from all sets. This change was discussed in the 2006 second quarterly report, which can be accessed on the FSIS website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/science/Q2_2006_Salmonella_Testing/index.asp.

Additional Information Regarding This Report
In order to handle sample scheduling more efficiently and to update information on actively producing establishments, the Agency continues to automate the sampling algorithm process. Therefore, the total number of active operating establishments can change quarter to quarter as establishments exit or enter the industry. This change does not apply to intermittently producing establishments. The Agency will continue to categorize them because they are considered to be operating at some level.

Given the revised sampling strategy, the percentage of positive samples is no longer useful as an indicator of trends. As described above, FSIS has implemented placing establishments into Category 1, 2T, 2, or 3 as an alternative trend indicator for the Salmonella verification sampling program. While the Agency does not expect the category trend indicator to vary greatly on a quarterly basis, it should facilitate tracking of overall industry performance when examined over multiple years. Other trend indicators continue to be considered.

Beginning March 28, 2008, FSIS posted completed Salmonella sample set results from young chicken slaughter establishments with variable (Category 2) and highly variable (Category 3) process control. In October, there were 10 establishments in Category 2 and 3 in Category 3. In November and December, there were 10 establishments in Category 2 and 4 in Category 3. FSIS also started posting Young Turkey slaughter establishments with variable (Category 2) and highly variable (Category 3) process control. In November, there were 4 establishments in Category 2 and 1 in Category 3. In December, there were 3 establishments in Category 2 and 1 in Category 3.

As announced in the January 2008 Federal Register Notice: Salmonella Verification Sampling Program: Response to Comments and New Agency Policies ( http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/2006-0034.pdf), turkey establishments in Category 2 and 3 were eligible for posting to the FSIS website beginning May 15 2008. The young turkey product class, however, has not had Salmonella verification sample set results posted as it has historically met the key criterion for exclusion from posting by maintaining >90% of establishments in Category 1. For the most recent three quarters, however, the percentage of young turkey establishments in Category 1 has dropped below 90%. The Agency began posting Category 2 and 3 Turkey plants in October 2010. The Agency is still considering publishing category results for establishments in additional product classes. Annual reports summarizing results for calendar years are available on the FSIS Web site as well as previous quarterly reports. The restructuring of Salmonella set scheduling, however, means that it is inappropriate to compare results from 2006 onwards to previous years. Similarly, the changes to the Salmonella verification-sampling program prevent valid comparisons of testing results over time (e.g., quarter-to-quarter or year-to-year trends).